Respect for natural resources and biodiversity

Raw material extraction

Raw materials extraction represents the first phase in the cement production process. This phase has an impact on both the natural and the surrounding environment.

With our quarrying activities we link and prioritize three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the following actions:

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production	SDG 15: Life on Land
The use of digital tools in mining activities to increase efficiency, optimize resources and minimize waste generation and extract only worthwhile materials of a suitable grade and volume in an economical way.	The use of alternative raw materials that may have positive impact on CO2 emissions (i.e. fly ash) and reduce quarry exploitation. Reuse of materials from other industries.	The development of action plans for quarry rehabilitation, reclamation and biodiversity by identifying the goals and timetable, with consideration for integrating quarries back into the surrounding landscape or according to future land usage purposes.

Quarry rehabilitation plan

Raw materials extraction has an inevitable impact on the surrounding environment: the removal of soil and changes in the topography of the area can, in fact, affect local ecosystems and watersheds.

To address and mitigate these effects, we can, and must, intervene through the development and implementation of an effective quarry rehabilitation plan. For this reason, 95% of quarries used by the Group have a rehabilitation plan in place.

The plans define the goal and timing for the reintegration of a quarry into the surrounding landscape. The conversion processes begin when the quarry is still in operation, reclaiming the areas that are no longer used.
There are several reconversion projects that we carry out with particular attention to respecting and restoring biodiversity, such as in Belgium, where we participate in the Life in Quarries initiative, a project funded by the European Commission precisely to develop biodiversity and reconversion of disused quarries.

Quarrying activity management

Before deciding to acquire and open any new quarry, all safety aspects, including impacts on the environment, flora and fauna and water resources are carefully analyzed and planned. We also always evaluate any social impacts and land recovery plans once the quarry is depleted.

Our goal is always to minimize or eliminate any potential negative impact that may occur as a result of quarrying activities, but we also work to increase potential positive impacts where possible.

Part of our work also falls into risk management: we analyze environmental risks to ensure compliance with current regulations and the best environmental standards and Best Available Technique (BAT) and we coordinate so that all the Group's businesses operate with an environmental management system certificate.